This red-figure oil flask bears a depiction of Nike, the goddess of victory, holding a libation bowl and wine jug, the vessels used to give liquid offerings to the deceased or to the gods. This example is attributed to the Pan Painter, one of the great masters of Athenian vase painting. His work is recognizable by the slim proportions of the figures, their small heads with short noses and full chins, and their highly patterned clothing with folds ending in wavy lines. A winged woman, possibly representing Nike, was a favorite subject on a number of Athenian oil jugs found on the southern coast of Sicily.

Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design. “Selected Works”. Providence: Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, 2008.